Chaitra Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navadurga.
The nine-day festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and celebrates the power of the divine feminine.
In 2026, Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19 and concludes on March 27, culminating with Rama Navami, which celebrates the birth of Rama. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour that represents different spiritual energies such as courage, prosperity, devotion and peace.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Dates and Muhurat Timings
Chaitra Navratri starts on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and ends on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Important Muhurat Timings
Ghatsthapana Muhurat: 6:52 AM - 10:10 AM (March 19)
Abhijit Muhurat (Alternative Kalash Sthapana Time): 11:47 AM - 12:36 PM (March 19)
The festival begins on Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra. Devotees perform Kalash Sthapana, which marks the beginning of the nine-day worship of Goddess Durga.
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Nine Colours and Associated Goddesses
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Durga, and devotees traditionally wear specific colours to attract positive energy and divine blessings.
| Date | Day | Goddess | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2026 | Day 1 | Shailputri | Yellow |
| March 20, 2026 | Day 2 | Brahmacharini | Green |
| March 21, 2026 | Day 3 | Chandraghanta | Grey |
| March 22, 2026 | Day 4 | Kushmanda | Orange |
| March 23, 2026 | Day 5 | Skandamata | White |
| March 24, 2026 | Day 6 | Katyayani | Red |
| March 25, 2026 | Day 7 | Kalaratri | Royal Blue |
| March 26, 2026 | Day 8 | Mahagauri | Pink |
| March 27, 2026 | Day 9 | Siddhidatri | Purple |
Meaning and Significance of Navratri Colours
Day 1 - Yellow
The first day honours Shailputri. Yellow symbolises happiness, positivity and prosperity. Wearing yellow is believed to attract joyful energy and divine blessings.
Day 2 - Green
The second day is dedicated to Brahmacharini. Green represents growth, renewal and fertility. It reflects the spirit of fresh beginnings and spiritual progress.
Day 3 - Grey
The third day celebrates Chandraghanta. Grey symbolises calmness, balance and emotional stability.
Day 4 - Orange
The fourth day is devoted toKushmanda. Orange represents courage, vitality and positive energy.
Day 5 - White
The fifth day worships Skandamata. White symbolises purity, peace and serenity.
Day 6 - Red
The sixth day honours Katyayani. Red represents strength, determination and divine power.
Day 7 - Royal Blue
The seventh day is dedicated to Kalaratri. Royal blue signifies wisdom, protection and inner strength.
Day 8 - Pink
The eighth day celebrates Mahagauri. Pink symbolises love, compassion and harmony.
Day 9 - Purple
The final day honours Siddhidatri. Purple represents spirituality, divine wisdom and blessings.
Traditional Rituals of Chaitra Navratri
The nine days of Chaitra Navratri are marked by several religious practices.
Kalash Sthapana
The festival begins with Kalash Sthapana, a ritual where a sacred pot is installed to invoke the presence of the Goddess.
Daily Worship
Devotees worship different forms of Durga each day through prayers, offerings and chanting.
Fasting
Many devotees observe fasts during the nine days as a form of spiritual purification.
Kanya Puja
On the eighth or ninth day, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess.
Navratri Parana
The fasting period concludes on Navami after prayers and offerings.
Bhog Offerings for Each Navratri Day
Each day also includes specific offerings presented to the goddess during prayers:
Day 1: Cow ghee
Day 2: Sugar or Panchamrit
Day 3: Milk-based sweets
Day 4: Malpua
Day 5: Banana
Day 6: Honey
Day 7: Jaggery
Day 8: Coconut
Day 9: Halwa, puri and chana
Chaitra Navratri Fasting Rules
Fasting during Chaitra Navratri is believed to cleanse the body and mind while strengthening spiritual discipline.
Foods Allowed During Navratri Fast
Sabudana, kuttu flour, singhara flour and samak rice
Fruits such as apples, bananas and pomegranates
Milk, curd, paneer and other dairy products
Nuts and dry fruits
Sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt
Foods to Avoid
Regular grains such as wheat and rice
Pulses and lentils
Onion and garlic
Non-vegetarian food
Alcohol and processed foods
Spiritual Importance of Chaitra Navratri
The festival is considered a powerful period for spiritual transformation. Devotees chant sacred mantras such as "Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche" to seek blessings from Durga.
The nine nights symbolise the journey of spiritual awakening, guiding devotees towards inner strength, purification and devotion.
The festival concludes with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Rama, marking the triumph of righteousness and divine order.
Sharadiya Navratri 2025: 10-Day Festival Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Rituals & Significance
Shardiya Navratri 2025 Puja Samagri: Ghatasthapana Materials, Vidhi, and Auspicious Time